America's Promise


The little red wagon. A symbol of childhood. It could be filled with a child's hopes and dreams or weighed down with their burdens. Millions of American children need our help to pull that wagon along. Let's all pull together.
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret)

There is a movement afoot dedicated to achieving a significant nationwide increase in positive support for all children to need help. At the heart of America's Promise is a set of five basic promises that should be made to every child in the United States, and the word. A nationwide study showed that these five fundamental resources help ensure the future success of all children and young people:

  • Mentor: An ongoing relationship with a caring adult;
  • Protect: Safe places and structured after-school activities;
  • Nurture: A healthy start for all children;
  • Teach: A marketable skill through effective education;
  • Serve: The opportunity to give back to the community.
There are many ways to get involved with America's Promise. We can all play a part in fulfilling the five basic promises by becoming Commitment Makers as individuals or organizations. Commitments are promises to give your unique skills and resources towards improving the lives of America's young people. Colleges and universities can become Commitment Makers, too.

Community leaders are encouraged to work together to form Communities of Promise Members of different sectors in the community can work together to ensure that all resources are being met locally. Businesses, governments, service agencies, schools, and health providers need to coordinate their efforts to ensure that every child receives the five fundamental resources.

There is a myriad of options available for volunteers wanting to help fulfill America's Promise. One of the best things about helping youth is that, no matter what resource you decide to focus on, you will almost surely help satisfy other resources. And you will help ensure a better future for our country.

If you would like to share your experience as a Commitment Maker or as part of a Community of Promise, please write to me at merlochy@suite101.com.

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The copyright of the article America's Promise in Volunteerism is owned by Ella Marin. Permission to republish America's Promise in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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